Design Command Refurbishes David’s Café, Creating a Warm and Inviting Community Space in Letchworth Garden City

Letchworth Garden City-based interior design studio Design Command has completed the refurbishment of David’s Café, a much-loved independent café and shop at the heart of the local community.

The redesigned space brings together the café and retail offer, creating a cohesive and welcoming environment where visitors can settle in with a coffee, browse books and gifts and enjoy a slower pace.

A long-standing part of the community for over 60 years, David’s Café combines a bookshop, music store, gift shop and café, making it a unique destination where books, good coffee, great design and live music come together. As a fellow Letchworth-based business, Design Command worked closely with the client to reimagine the interior, enhancing both functionality and overall customer experience.

The new layout carefully integrates seating with product displays, allowing the café and retail elements to work seamlessly together. This approach maximises the use of space while maintaining a clear and comfortable environment for customers, whether they are visiting to unwind or explore the shop’s offering.

The design draws inspiration from classic mid-century interiors, layered with warm textures and subtle pops of colour. Herringbone flooring, soft upholstery and relaxed, residential-style materials create a space that feels inviting from the moment you walk in. The overall concept was to design a space made for slowing down – somewhere customers can feel at ease spending time.

Soft, layered lighting has been used to enhance the relaxed atmosphere, creating a gentle transition between retail and seating areas while highlighting key materials throughout the space.

Clare McDonald, Founder of Design Command, commented:

“We were delighted to work on the refurbishment of David’s Café, such a well-loved and established part of the Letchworth community.

Being based locally ourselves made the project even more meaningful and our aim was to create a space that feels warm, inviting and easy to spend time in, while ensuring the café and retail elements work seamlessly together.”

Founded in 2013, Design Command is a Letchworth Garden City-based studio recognised for its thoughtful and creative approach to hospitality and commercial interiors. Working with clients across the UK, the studio delivers spaces that are both functional and engaging, with a strong emphasis on user experience and brand identity.